Dogs experience emotional ups and downs much like their owners, and new research indicates those feelings may be influenced by similar genetic factors present in people. Scientists have identified several genes known to affect human mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, that also appear to shape canine temperament. For instance, researchers found that the gene HUNK, linked to chronic worrying in humans, may contribute to nervous behaviour in golden retrievers when interacting with other dogs.
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Another gene, ASCC3, associated in humans with irritability, neurotic traits and fluctuating moods, was found in dogs that fear everyday noises such as vacuum cleaners. Meanwhile, ROMO1 — connected to cognitive ability in people — was observed in dogs that learn commands more readily during training sessions.
“These findings are remarkably compelling and offer strong evidence that golden retrievers and humans share genetic influences on behaviour,” said Dr Eleanor Raffan, from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, who led the research. “The genes we identified commonly affect emotional tendencies and behavioural responses in both species.”
The team examined the DNA of 1,300 golden retrievers, using blood samples alongside detailed questionnaires completed by owners to assess traits such as sociability, fear responses, energy levels, trainability and aggression towards other dogs. When compared with similar genetic studies in humans, twelve of the genes linked to canine behaviour also appeared relevant to human emotional characteristics.
One example, the gene PTPN1, was associated with aggressive reactions towards other dogs, and in humans has been connected to intelligence and depression.
Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study suggests that understanding these genes may help owners better interpret their pets’ emotional needs.
“Genetics clearly play a role in behaviour, meaning some dogs may be naturally more anxious or overwhelmed by the world around them,” explained researcher Enoch Alex, the study’s first author. “If their experiences reinforce these sensitivities, what owners perceive as bad behaviour may actually be a response to stress.”
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The researchers emphasised that these genes do not produce a single behaviour or emotion but rather influence broader emotional states. For example, dogs displaying “non-social fear” — such as anxiety around traffic or household appliances — may carry a gene that in humans contributes to hypersensitivity or nervousness.
“If your golden retriever hides whenever the doorbell rings, knowing their behaviour could have a genetic basis may encourage more empathy and understanding,” added Dr Anna Morros-Nuevo, also from the University of Cambridge. The findings may ultimately help owners, vets and behaviourists support dogs who are genetically predisposed to heightened emotional reactions.
